Mechanics, garage owners set for Museveni cash

KAMPALA - More than 400 mechanics and garage owners have advanced plans to form a savings and credit cooperative organisation (SACCO) in preparation for affirmative support from President Yoweri Museveni.

The President has intensified efforts towards wealth creation, particularly targeting the elimination of urban poverty by empowering groups such as mechanics and garage owners through various initiatives.

“The President has sent me here with a task of making you rich. I want to assure you, I will do it,” Yiga Kisakyamukama, Special Presidential Advisor on Monitoring and Service Delivery, said.

He was speaking at a meeting held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Mbuya II Kitawuliluzi Community Centre in Nakawa. The meeting was attended by National Resistance Movement (NRM) party leaders, flag bearers and other officials.

According to government, garages are among the sectors employing hundreds of young people, particularly in the informal economy.

In Kampala alone, besides the over 200 recognised garages, several others operate informally, employing many young workers.

"All that which happened before me, forget. The real deal is here. When the President was sending me, he did not instruct me to look for NRM chairmen, but to look for the mechanics and garage owners," Kisakyamukama said.

He added, "People have cheated you using your name. But I have come to make things right."

Kisakyamukama urged the mechanics to accelerate the formation of their SACCO, noting that by “Friday or Monday”, the President himself would oversee the disbursement of funds.

Kisakyamukama urged the mechanics to accelerate the formation of their SACCO, noting that by “Friday or Monday”, the President himself would oversee the disbursement of funds. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

"The President sent me here; he wants one SACCO for Nakawa. There is no need for a supervisor; nobody should request anything from you. The registration fee of sh2m for the SACCO we are paying for it. What I want from you is your name and signature. We do not want to leave here, and people start soliciting for money," he said.

Nakawa deputy resident city commissioner (RCC), Edwin Benesa, commended the mechanics for their turnout.

“The garage owners had been left behind compared to other groups such as the boda bodas who are already organised in SACCOs,” he said.

He expressed optimism that the initiative would transform livelihoods and help lift the mechanics out of poverty.

Ali Ssebagala from Mbuya I Kagolo zone recalled that they previously had a SACCO and received equipment but faced challenges with leadership.

"Instead of giving us handouts, give us tools and equipment since some of us employ young people in our garage," Ssebagala said.

Yiga Kisakyamukama, Special Presidential Assistant in charge of monitoring service delivery (centre), meeting with some of the mechanics from Nakawa division at Mbuya Parish Community centre, Kitawuluzi on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. (Credit: Mpalanyi Ssentongo)

In response, Kisakyamukama assured them that SACCO funds would be protected, stressing that members would retain full control.

Suzan Zawedde, the NRM candidate for the Nakawa mayoral seat, praised the intervention as evidence of the ruling party’s commitment to service.

"Today it's for the mechanics and garage owners, but I know many other things are coming," Zawedde said.

Fred Ruhindi, the NRM flag bearer for Nakawa East parliamentary seat, urged Ugandans to make use of the President’s leadership while they still had the opportunity.

“For those who won’t be in SACCOs, we shall give you a toolbox fund worth over sh1.5m after many of you complained that your garage masters would take from you donated support, but this shall be done after all members have been verified,” Kisakyamukama said.